Many have expressed concern over the Biden administration’s requirement for U.S. military personnel to become vaccinated against COVID-19. A member of Alabama’s congressional delegation is taking his disapproval of the edict to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).
An early and staunch opponent of the mandate, U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) has taken the lead in sending a letter to DOD Secretary Lloyd Austin requesting to delay the mandate’s immediate enforcement.
The freshman congressman, along with his fellow GOP colleagues, is asking Austin to delay the decree’s enforcement until a full review is conducted by medical professionals on the vaccine’s potential health risks.
In their letter, members of the House Republican Caucus call for the establishment of a program to monitor military personnel for recurring medical conditions that may have stemmed from a COVID-19 infection or vaccination. The Republicans cite myocarditis, which they say research shows can often go undetected.
Moore’s letter outlines concerns that have been cited by the health community and the Centers for Disease Control of medical conditions that could potentially result from virus infection or vaccination. The congressman believes the issue has “the potential to impact force readiness in the months and years to come.”
The letter cites the concerns expressed by both civilian and military members of the medical community. One of the professionals Moore has been in contact with regarding the issue is lieutenant colonel Theresa Long at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Moore offered to present her sworn affidavit on the issue to the DOD chief.
The letter also states, “[w]hile the development of three COVID-19 vaccines was a true testament to the ingenuity and commitment of the American people, the recent efforts to force these new vaccinations on millions of Americans goes against the principles of freedom and individual liberty that we hold dear.”
Moore says his office has fielded calls from individuals who are worried that they will have to choose to conform to vaccine mandate or risk financial security as a result.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by concerns from American citizens and servicemembers who are being forced to choose between taking a vaccine they don’t want and providing for their families,” Moore said. “I’ve especially been moved by the concerned friends and neighbors of those directly affected who have chosen to stand up against these un-American mandates.
He added, “With both Fort Rucker and Maxwell Air Force Base located here, our district is full of proud Americans who have served their country and whose patriotism is unquestioned. My job as an elected representative is to protect Americans’ freedom and liberty for the next generation, and I am proud to stand alongside those who are protesting these unjust mandates.”
The DOD announced in August that military personnel and many civilian contractors will have to become inoculated against the virus or face termination.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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